Tanney signs with Chiefs

Alex Tanney is one of two D-III quarterbacks who has gone from unsigned tryout to rookie contract. d3photography.com photo by Scott Pierson

Alex Tanney didn't make it in a free-agent tryout with the Buffalo Bills but got a contract offer from the Kansas City Chiefs this week.

• More offseason tryouts, signings

A two-time second team D3football.com All-American quarterback, Tanney finished his career at Monmouth as the all-time leader in touchdown passes for all divisions of the NCAA. He will go to camp with the team later this summer as well as take part in the team's offseason workouts.

Tanney had originally been announced as going to a minicamp with the Pittsburgh Steelers before ending up with the Bills.

“This is the opportunity Alex was looking for,” said Fighting Scots coach Steve Bell. “We’re pretty excited for Alex and what it means to him as well as to our program. He’s got the chance now to show what he can do and hopefully make the 53-man roster.”

Tanney, the fourth quarterback listed on the Kansas City roster, will battle for a regular season roster spot with eight-year veteran Matt Cassell, six-year man Brady Quinn and Ricky Stanzi, two years removed from Iowa.

“His accuracy and decision making is excellent,” said Bell of Tanney’s biggest strengths.  “Learning the NFL playbook should be similar to making the transition from high school to college. It will be more extensive than a college playbook, but Alex is a quick study, and I’m sure he’ll adjust quickly.”